Battery Module

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0113074, filed on Aug. 22, 2024 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module.

Unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged. A low-capacity battery may be used for portable small-sized electronic devices, such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, and a high-capacity battery is widely used as a power source for driving a motor and a power storage battery in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, or the like. Such a battery includes electrodes including a positive electrode and/or a negative electrode, an electrode assembly including the electrodes, a case that accommodates the electrode assembly, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

As technology advances, batteries with high capacity are desired. Accordingly, a plurality of batteries may be electrically connected and used. For example, the batteries may be applied to an electronic device in the form of a battery module including a plurality of batteries, and/or a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules. In this case, the electronic device is an electronic device that requires high power and/or high capacity and may include, for example, an electric vehicle or the like.

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a housing accommodating the plurality of battery cells. In addition, the battery module may further include bus bars electrically connecting at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

An electrode assembly included in each of the battery cells may repeatedly contract or expand due to charging and discharging, and the battery cells may swell during this process. If the battery cell swells, the battery cell may increase in volume.

In this case, the housing that accommodates the battery cells may also expand in volume accordingly. Further, as the housing expands, problems such as collisions with external structures or breakage may occur. The bus bars connecting the battery cells may also break as the battery cells expand in volume.

In this case, not only could the battery module itself break, but also a safety issue may arise due to the battery module.

The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of the present invention is provided to improve understanding of the background of the present invention and thus may include information that does not form the related art.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a battery module that addresses the above-described problems, for example, is provided.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a battery module of which a volume does not expand, or expands minimally even if a battery cell swells, is provided.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a battery module that prevents or substantially prevents a bus bar from breaking, even when a battery cell swells, is provided.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a battery module having an insulating effect is provided.

However, aspects and problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects and problems to be solved, and other aspects and problems to be solved not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a housing accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and a damper located on a side of at least one of the plurality of battery cells and including a non-Newtonian fluid material.

Herein, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail. However, these are presented as example embodiments, and the present invention is not limited thereby, and the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims.

Terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be interpreted as being limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings and are to be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of this invention based on the principle that the inventor can properly define the concept of the term in order to describe his or her invention in the best way. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein, and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some example embodiments of the invention and do not necessarily represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that may be replace for them at the time of filing. Further, when used herein, the words “comprise,” “include,” “comprising,” and/or “including” specify the presence of the mentioned shapes, numbers, steps, operations, members, elements, and/or groups thereof and are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise specified herein, when a part, such as a layer, a film, an area, or a plate, is described as being “on” another part, this includes not only a case in which the part is directly on another part, but also a case in which one or more other parts are present therebetween.

Unless otherwise specified herein, a singular expression may also include a plural meaning. In addition, unless otherwise specified, “A or B” may mean “including A, including B, or including A and B.”

As used herein, “a combination thereof” may mean a mixture, a laminate, a composite, a copolymer, an alloy, a blend, a reaction product, and the like of components.

1 4 FIGS.to are schematic views each illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment.

100 100 40 30 10 20 50 40 10 20 30 100 60 50 100 11 12 21 22 100 70 71 72 40 1 4 FIGS.to 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 4 FIGS.and 1 4 FIGS.to 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 4 FIGS.and A battery cellmay be classified as any of a cylindrical, prismatic, pouch-type, and coin-type battery, according to a shape thereof.are schematic views each illustrating the battery cell according to an embodiment, whereillustrates a cylindrical battery,illustrates a prismatic battery, andillustrate pouch-type batteries. Referring to, the battery cellmay include an electrode assemblyincluding a separatorinterposed between a positive electrodeand a negative electrode, and a casein which the electrode assemblyis housed. The positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separatormay be impregnated with an electrolyte (not shown). As shown in, the battery cellmay include a sealing memberthat seals the case. In addition, in, the battery cellmay include a positive electrode lead tab, a positive electrode terminal, a negative electrode lead tab, and a negative electrode terminal. As shown in, the battery cellmay include electrode tabs, that is, a positive electrode taband a negative electrode tab, which function as electrical paths for inducing a current formed in the electrode assemblyto the outside.

As a positive electrode active material, a compound (e.g., a lithiated intercalation compound) that is capable of reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium may be used. In an embodiment, one or more of a composite oxide of lithium and a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and a combination thereof may be used.

The composite oxide may be a lithium-transition metal composite oxide, and examples thereof may include lithium nickel-based oxide, lithium cobalt-based oxide, lithium manganese-based oxide, lithium iron phosphate-based compound, cobalt-free nickel manganese-based oxide, or a combination thereof.

a 1-b b 2-c c a 2-b b 4-c c a 1-b-c b c 2-a a a 1-b-c b c 2-α α a b c d e 2 a b 2 a b 2 a 1-b b 2 a 2 b 4 a 1-g g 4 (3-f) 2 4 3 a 4 1 As an example, compounds represented by any one of the following chemical formulas may be used. LiAXOD(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); LiMnXOD(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); LiNiCOXOD(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤c≤2); LiNiMnXOD(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); LiNiCoLGO(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); LiNiGO(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiCoGO(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiMnGO(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiMnGO(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiMnGPO(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); LiFe(PO)(0≤f≤2); and LiFePO(0.90≤a≤1.8).

1 In the above chemical formulas, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare-earth element or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; and Lis Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

As an example, the positive electrode active material may be a high-nickel-based positive electrode active material having a nickel content greater than or equal to 80 mol %, greater than or equal to 85 mol %, greater than or equal to 90 mol %, greater than or equal to 91 mol %, or greater than or equal to 94 mol % and less than or equal to 99 mol % based on 100 mol % of the metal excluding lithium in the lithium-transition metal composite oxide. The high-nickel-based positive electrode active material may be capable of realizing high capacity and can be applied to high-capacity and high-density battery cells.

10 100 The positive electrodefor the battery cellmay include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and/or a conductive material.

As an example, the positive electrode may further include an additive that can function as a sacrificial positive electrode.

In an embodiment, a content of the positive electrode active material may be 90 wt % to 99.5 wt % based on 100 wt % of the positive electrode active material layer, and a content of each of the binder and the conductive material may be 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % based on 100 wt % of the positive electrode active material layer.

The binder bonds positive electrode active material particles to each other well and also adheres the positive electrode active material to the current collector well. Representative examples of the binder include polyvinyl alcohol, carboxylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, polyvinylchloride, carboxylated polyvinylchloride, polyvinylfluoride, an ethylene oxide-containing polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, an epoxy resin, a (meth)acrylic resin, a polyester resin, nylon, or the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The conductive material provides conductivity to the electrode, and any suitable material that does not cause a chemical change and is electrically conductive may be used in the configured battery. Examples of the conductive material may include a carbon-based material, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, or carbon nanotubes; a metal-based material in the form of a metal powder or metal fiber including copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, or the like; a conductive polymer, such as a polyphenylene derivative; or a mixture thereof.

In an embodiment, Al may be used as the current collector, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The negative electrode active material may be a material that reversibly intercalates/deintercalates lithium ions, a lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

In an embodiment, the material capable of reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions is a carbon-based negative electrode active material, and may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of the crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as amorphous, plate-shaped, flake-shaped, spherical-shaped or fiber-shaped natural graphite or artificial graphite. Examples of the amorphous carbon may include soft carbon or hard carbon, a mesophase pitch carbide product, calcined coke, and the like.

The lithium metal alloy may be an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn.

2 A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as the material capable of doping and dedoping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may include any of silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiOx (0<x≤2), a Si-Q alloy (where, Q is selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, a Group 13 element, a Group 14 element (excluding Si), a Group 15 element, a Group 16 element, a transition metal, a rare-earth element, and a combination thereof), or a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material may include Sn, SnO, a Sn-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a secondary particle (core) in which silicon primary particles are agglomerated and an amorphous carbon coating layer (shell) located on the surface of the secondary particle. The amorphous carbon may also be located between the silicon primary particles, such that, for example, the silicon primary particles are coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix.

The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core including crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating layer located on a surface of the core.

The Si-based negative electrode active material or the Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used by being mixed with a carbon-based negative electrode active material.

20 100 The negative electrodefor the battery cellincludes a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer located on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and/or a conductive material.

In an embodiment, for example, the negative electrode active material layer may include 90 wt % to 99 wt % of the negative electrode active material, 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % of the binder, and 0 wt % to 5 wt % of the conductive material.

The binder bonds negative electrode active material particles to each other well and also adheres the negative electrode active material to the current collector well. Examples of the binder may include a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the non-aqueous binder may include polyvinylchloride, carboxylated polyvinylchloride, polyvinylfluoride, an ethylene propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamideimide, polyimide, or a combination thereof.

The aqueous binder may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, a polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepichlorohydrin, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, an ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, a polyester resin, a (meth)acrylic resin, a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and a combination thereof.

If the aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included. As the cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or alkali metal salts thereof may be used in combination. In an embodiment, Na, K, or Li can be used as the alkali metal.

The dry binder is a polymer material capable of being fiberized, and may be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, a polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, a polyethylene oxide, or a combination thereof.

The conductive material provides conductivity to the electrode, and any suitable material that does not cause a chemical change and is electrically conductive may be used in the configured battery. Examples of the conductive material may include a carbon-based material, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, or carbon nanofibers; a metal-based material in the form of a metal powder or metal fiber including copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, or the like; a conductive polymer, such as a polyphenylene derivative; or a mixture thereof.

The negative electrode current collector may be selected from any of a copper foil, a nickel foil, a stainless steel foil, a titanium foil, a nickel foam, a copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and a combination thereof.

100 The electrolyte for the battery cellincludes a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

The non-aqueous organic solvent functions as a medium through which ions taking part in the electrochemical reaction of a battery can move.

The non-aqueous organic solvent may be a carbonate-based, ester-based, ether-based, ketone-based, alcohol-based solvent, aprotic solvent, or a combination thereof.

The carbonate-based solvent may include any of dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), methylpropyl carbonate (MPC), ethylpropyl carbonate (EPC), ethylmethyl carbonate (MEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), and the like.

The ester-based solvent may include any of methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, decanolide, mevalonolactone, valerolactone, caprolactone, and the like.

The ether-based solvent may include any of dibutyl ether, tetraglyme, diglyme, dimethoxyethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, and the like. In addition, the ketone-based solvent may include cyclohexanone and the like. The alcohol-based solvent may include ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and the like, and the aprotic solvent may include nitriles such as R—CN (where R is a C2 to C20 linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group and includes a double bond, an aromatic ring, or an ether bond), and the like; amides such as dimethyl formamide; dioxolanes such as 1,3-dioxolane and 1,4-dioxolane; sulfolanes; and the like.

The non-aqueous organic solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In an embodiment, if a carbonate-based solvent is used, a cyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate may be mixed and used, and the cyclic carbonate and the chain carbonate may be mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 1:9.

6 4 6 6 4 2 4 2 2 3 2 5 2 2 2 4 9 3 2 2 2y 2 The lithium salt is a material that is dissolved in the organic solvent and serves as a source of lithium ions in a battery, enables a basic operation of a battery cell, and improves the movement of the lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes. Representative examples of the lithium salt may include one or two or more selected from among LiPF, LiBF, LiSbF, LiAsF, LiClO, LiAlO, LiAlCl, LiPOF, LiCl, LiI, LiN(SOCF), Li(FSO)N (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, LiFSI), LiCFSO, LiN(CxFx+1SO)(CyF+1SO) (where, x and y are integers of 1 to 20), lithium trifluoromethane sulfonate, lithium tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, lithium difluorobis(oxalato)phosphate (LiDFOB), and lithium bis(oxalato) borate (LiBOB).

100 30 10 20 30 Depending on a type of the battery cell, the separatormay be present between the positive electrodeand the negative electrode. The separatormay include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer film of two or more layers thereof, and, in an embodiment, may include a mixed multilayer film, such as a polyethylene/polypropylene two-layer separator, a polyethylene/polypropylene/polyethylene three-layer separator, a polypropylene/polyethylene/polypropylene three-layer separator, or the like.

30 The separatormay include a porous substrate and a coating layer including an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof located on one surface or both, or opposite, surfaces of the porous substrate.

The porous substrate may be a polymer film formed of a polymer, or a copolymer or a mixture of two or more selected from polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and the like, polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyether sulfone, a polyphenylene oxide, a cyclic olefin copolymer, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fibers, and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon).

The organic material may include a polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer or a (meth)acrylic-based polymer.

2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 The inorganic material may include inorganic particles selected from AlO, SiO, TiO, SnO, CeO, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO, YO, SrTiO, BaTiO, Mg(OH), boehmite, and a combination thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The organic and inorganic materials may be present by being mixed in one coating layer or may be present in a form in which a coating layer including organic materials and a coating layer including inorganic materials are stacked.

5 FIG. is a view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

1000 100 1061 1062 1063 1064 1065 100 100 A battery moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a housing,,,, andin which the plurality of battery cellsare accommodated, and bus bars that electrically connect at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

100 1061 1065 1 4 FIGS.to The plurality of battery cellsmay include, for example, the battery cell described inand may be accommodated by being arranged in a direction in the housingto.

1061 1065 1061 1062 100 1063 1064 1061 1062 1063 100 1064 100 1061 1062 1063 1064 1065 The housingtomay include a pair of end platesandfacing a wide surface of each of the battery cells, and side platesand a bottom platethat connect the pair of end platesand. The side platemay support a side surface of each of the battery cells, and the bottom platemay support a bottom surface of each of the battery cells. In addition, the pair of end platesand, the side plate, and the bottom platemay be connected to each other by members, such as boltsor the like.

1000 1011 1012 1020 100 1030 1020 1030 1020 The battery moduleincludes terminal portionsand, connection tabseach connecting adjacent battery cells, and a protection circuit modulehaving a side end portion connected to the connection tabs. The protection circuit modulemay be a battery management system (BMS). In an embodiment, the connection tabsmay be bus bars.

1011 1012 1020 1013 100 1011 1012 100 1011 1012 1011 1012 100 1020 5 FIG. The terminal portionsand, which are electrically connected to the connection tab, and a vent, which is an exhaust path for a gas generated inside, may be provided on a side of the battery cell. The terminal portionsandof the battery cellmay be a positive electrode terminaland a negative electrode terminalhaving different polarities, and the terminal portionsandof the battery cellsadjacent to each other may be electrically connected in series or in parallel by the connection tabto be described below. Although a series connection has been described above as an example, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and various connection structures may be adopted as desired. In addition, a number and arrangement of the battery cells are not limited to the structure shown inand may be varied as desired.

1030 1020 1030 1030 1030 100 1030 1030 1020 1030 100 100 1030 100 100 1030 1013 1030 100 1030 1030 1030 1030 1050 1050 1030 1030 a b a b a b a a a b a b The protection circuit modulemay include electronic components, protection circuits, and the like mounted therein and may be electrically connected to the connection tabsto be described below. In an embodiment, the protection circuit moduleincludes a first protection circuit moduleand a second protection circuit moduleextending at different positions in a direction in which the plurality of battery cellsare arranged, and, in an embodiment, the first protection circuit moduleand the second protection circuit modulemay be spaced apart from each other at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) and located parallel to each other, and may each be electrically connected to the adjacent connection tabs. For example, the first protection circuit modulemay be formed to extend on a side of an upper portion of each of the plurality of battery cellsin the direction in which the plurality of battery cellsare arranged. In addition, the second protection circuit moduleis formed to extend on another side of the upper portion of each of the plurality of battery cellsin the direction in which the plurality of battery cellsare arranged, and may be located to be spaced apart from the first protection circuit moduleat a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) with the ventsinterposed therebetween and disposed parallel to the first protection circuit module. As described above, the two protection circuit modules may be disposed in parallel to be spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the plurality of battery cellsare arranged, thereby minimizing or reducing an area of a printed circuit board (PCB) constituting the protection circuit module. By configuring the protection circuit moduleseparately into two protection circuit modules, an unnecessary PCB area may be minimized or reduced. In addition, the first protection circuit moduleand the second protection circuit modulemay be connected to each other by a connecting memberhaving conductivity. In this case, a side of the connecting membermay be connected to the first protection circuit module, and another side thereof may be connected to the second protection circuit module, thereby allowing an electrical connection between the two protection circuit modules.

In an embodiment, the connection may be performed by any of soldering, resistance welding, laser welding, and projection welding methods.

1050 1050 1050 100 1030 1030 1030 1030 a a b b In an embodiment, the connecting membermay be, for example, an electrical wire. In an embodiment, the connecting membermay be made of an elastic or flexible material. With the connecting member, whether the voltage, temperature, and current of the plurality of battery cellsare normal may be checked and managed. That is, information, such as voltage, current, and temperature, received by the first protection circuit modulefrom the connection tabs adjacent to the first protection circuit moduleand information, such as voltage, current, and temperature, received by the second protection circuit modulefrom the connection tabs adjacent to the second protection circuit modulemay be integrated and managed by the protection circuit module through the connecting member.

100 1050 1030 If the battery cellswells, an impact may be absorbed by the elasticity or flexibility of the connecting member, thereby preventing or substantially preventing damage to the protection circuit modules.

1050 5 FIG. However, a shape and structure of the connecting memberare not limited to those shown in.

1030 1030 1030 1020 1030 a b As described above, as the protection circuit moduleis comprised of the first and second protection circuit modulesand, the area of the PCB constituting the protection circuit module can be minimized or reduced, thereby securing a space inside the battery module. This may improve work efficiency by facilitating not only a coupling work of connecting the connection taband the protection circuit module, but also a repair work if an abnormality is detected in the battery module.

100 1000 100 1 4 FIGS.to 5 FIG. The battery cellaccording to an embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to. In addition, the battery moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention including the plurality of battery cellshas been described with reference to.

100 100 As described above, the battery cellincludes electrodes (e.g., a positive electrode and a negative electrode). The electrodes repeatedly contract or expand due to charging or discharging. Accordingly, the electrodes may swell. In this case, the battery cellincluding the electrodes may swell.

1000 100 100 1000 100 100 The battery moduleincludes the plurality of battery cells. If all or some of the plurality of battery cellsswell, the battery modulemay also expand in volume. Accordingly, the housing accommodating the plurality of battery cellsmay be damaged or the bus bars electrically connecting at least some of the plurality of battery cellsmay be damaged.

1000 100 100 In this case, the battery modulemay be damaged. Further, if a safety issue arises as the battery cellswells, heat propagation may occur between the battery cells, which may amplify the swelling phenomenon.

1000 100 100 100 100 Accordingly, herein, one or more embodiments of the present invention to prevent or substantially prevent the battery modulefrom being damaged even if the battery cellswells will be described. In addition, one or more embodiments of the present invention to prevent or substantially prevent heat propagation between the battery cellsand to prevent or substantially prevent the battery cellsfrom undergoing chain swelling caused by heat, even if a thermal runaway occurs in at least one of the plurality of battery cells, will be described.

6 FIG. is a view for describing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 FIG. is a view for describing an example of swollen battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 7 FIGS.and 5 FIG. 1000 1000 In, “” denotes a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., including the battery moduledescribed in).

1000 1100 1200 1100 1400 1100 The battery moduleincludes a plurality of battery cells, a housingthat accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and damperslocated on a side of at least one of the plurality of battery cellsand including a non-Newtonian fluid material.

1100 100 1200 1100 1100 1 5 FIGS.to The plurality of battery cells(e.g., including the battery cellsdescribed in) are arranged in a direction and accommodated in the housing. For example, if each of the battery cellsis formed in a prismatic shape, the plurality of battery cellsmay be disposed with wide surfaces thereof facing each other.

1200 1061 1065 1100 1200 1100 5 FIG. The housing(e.g., including the housingtodescribed in) accommodates the plurality of battery cells. In an embodiment, for example, the housingis formed to enclose side surfaces and/or lower surfaces of the battery cells, which are arranged in a direction.

1200 1100 The housingincludes, for example, a lower plate formed on the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

1200 1100 1100 1100 In an embodiment, for example, the housingincludes end plates located at ends of the plurality of battery cells, in the direction in which the battery cellsare arranged. For example, the end plate may be formed to face the wide surface among side surfaces of the battery cell. A side of the end plate may be connected to the lower plate.

1200 1100 1100 1100 In an embodiment, for example, the housingincludes side plates located alongside the plurality of battery cells, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cellsare arranged. For example, the side plate may be formed to face a narrow surface among the side surfaces of the battery cell. A side of the side plate may be connected to the lower plate. In the side plate, another side and a side opposite thereto may be connected to the end plates, respectively.

1000 1300 1100 1300 1120 1100 1300 1100 1100 1300 1100 9 9 FIGS.A andB In an embodiment, the battery modulemay further include bus barsthat electrically connect some of the plurality of battery cells. For example, the bus barsmay be bonded to terminals (e.g., terminalsto be described in) of the battery cell. For example, the bus barsmay be bonded to the respective terminals of two adjacent battery cellsto electrically connect the two adjacent battery cells. The bus barsmay ensure that the battery cellsare electrically connected to the outside.

1400 1100 The damperis located on a side of at least one of the plurality of battery cells.

1400 1100 In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be located on a side of each of the plurality of battery cells.

1400 1100 1401 1100 1100 a b In an embodiment, for example, the dampersmay be located on both, or opposite, sides of each of the plurality of battery cells. In this case, the damper (e.g., a damper) may be located on a side of a battery cell (e.g., a battery cell) and located on another side of another battery cell (e.g., a battery cell).

1400 1100 1400 1100 In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be located on a side of each of some of the plurality of battery cells. In this case, the dampersmay or may not be located between the plurality of battery cells.

1400 1200 1100 1402 1100 1200 b In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be located between the housingand each of the plurality of battery cells. For example, the damper (e.g., a damper) may be located between the battery cell (e.g., the battery cell) and the housing (e.g., the housing).

1100 1400 1400 1100 1400 1000 1100 1000 1100 1400 If at least one of the plurality of battery cellsexpands in volume, the dampercontracts in volume. For example, the dampermay contract in volume by as much as the battery cellexpands in volume. For example, the volume of all the dampersincluded in the battery modulemay be reduced by as much as the volume of all the battery cellsincluded in the battery moduleexpands. That is, the total amount of volume expansion of the plurality of battery cellsmay be equal to the total amount of volume contraction of a plurality of dampers.

1400 In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay include a non-Newtonian fluid material.

In an embodiment, the non-Newtonian fluid material includes, for example, at least one of a D3O solution (Commercially available shear-thickening material, such as D3O® (D3O Lab Ltd., UK), a cornstarch solution, a colloidal solution, or a combination thereof.

1400 1400 1400 1400 1000 1400 In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay include a material with a modulus of elasticity greater than or equal to 0.5 MPa. If the material included in the damperhas a modulus of elasticity less than 0.5 MPa, the dampermay be insufficiently resistant to external forces. In this case, the dampermay not contract sufficiently or may fail to return to its original state, and thus may be unable to support the exterior of the battery module. Thus, in an embodiment, the material included in the damperhas a modulus of elasticity greater than or equal to 0.5 MPa.

1400 1400 1400 1400 1100 1400 1400 100 1400 1100 1400 In an embodiment, for example, the material included in the dampermay have a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 0.011 W/mK and less than or equal to 0.7 W/mK. If the material included in the damperhas a thermal conductivity less than 0.011 W/mK, the dampermay have a reduced ability to absorb heat. In this case, the dampermay fail to appropriately increase its viscosity even if the temperature of the battery cellincreases. If the material included in the damperhas a thermal conductivity greater than 0.7 W/mK, the dampermay absorb heat and transfer the heat to the adjacent battery cellbefore increasing its viscosity. In this case, the dampermay fail to perform its insulating function between the battery cells. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the damperincludes a material having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 0.011 W/mK and less than or equal to 0.7 W/mK.

1400 1100 1400 1400 1100 1400 1100 Accordingly, the dampercan increase its viscosity when absorbing heat. As a result, even if the battery cellswells due to rising temperature, the dampercan absorb heat and increase its viscosity, thereby contracting in volume. Further, the dampermay utilize these characteristics to insulate the heat generated by the battery cells. Through this, the dampermay prevent or substantially prevent heat from propagating between the battery cells.

6 FIG. 1100 1 1400 2 1000 1000 1000 For example, as shown in, the battery cellmay have a width of win a normal state in which no swelling has occurred. In this case, the dampermay have a width of w. In this case, the battery modulemay have a length of L. The length of the battery moduleis, for example, a length from the end plate on a first side to the end plate on a second side. For example, the length of the battery moduleis the shortest length from an inner surface of the end plate on the first side to an inner surface of the end plate on the second side.

7 FIG. 1100 1100 1 1 1 1400 2 2 2 1400 1100 For example, as shown in, all or some of the plurality of battery cellsmay experience an increase in temperature and/or swelling. The battery cellmay change in width to w′ as its volume expands. In this case, w′ is greater than w. In this case, the dampermay change in width to w′ as its volume contracts. In this case, w′ is less than w. That is, the dampermay contract in volume as the battery cellexpands in volume.

1000 1100 1400 1100 1000 1100 In this case, the battery modulemay still have the length L, even though the battery cellhas expanded in volume. That is, as the dampercontracts by as much as the volume expansion of the battery cell, the battery modulemay have the same or similar volume as before the swelling of the battery cell.

1300 1100 1400 1100 1100 Further, as a result, the bus barmay not be damaged even though the battery cellhas swelled. This is because the dampercontracts in volume by as much as the battery cellsexpands in volume, thereby maintaining the same or similar spacing between the battery cells.

1400 1100 1100 Further, the dampersmay absorb heat from the plurality of battery cellsto prevent or substantially prevent heat propagation between the battery cells.

1100 1000 1200 1300 1400 As described above, even if a swelling phenomenon occurs in the battery cell, the battery moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention may resolve a problem of the housingand/or the bus barbreaking, due to the damper.

6 7 FIGS.and 1100 1400 1100 illustrate an example in which the battery cellaccording to an embodiment of the present invention is formed in a prismatic or pouch type. In this case, as shown in the drawings, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape to be located on a side of each of the plurality of battery cellsor therebetween.

1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 In an embodiment, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness of, for example, 12 mm or less. In an embodiment, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness of, for example, 0.3 mm or more. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 14 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 13 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 12 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 14 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 13 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 12 mm.

1400 1400 1400 1400 In an embodiment, for example, the damperincludes mica, and the dampermay be formed as a sheet having a thickness greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 12 mm. In an embodiment, for example, the damperincludes aerogel, and the dampermay be formed as a sheet having a thickness greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 12 mm.

1400 1400 1100 1400 1400 1000 1100 1400 If the thickness of the damperis less than or equal to 0.1 mm, the dampermay not contract sufficiently in response to the expansion of the battery cell. If the thickness of the damperis greater than or equal to 15 mm, the damperreduces volume efficiency of the battery modulecompared to that of the battery cell. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the damperis formed to have a thickness of, for example, greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm.

8 FIG. is a view for describing an example of the damper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 7 FIGS.and 8 FIG. 1100 1100 In, the example in which the battery cellis formed in a prismatic or pouch type has been described.illustrates an example in which the battery cellis formed in a cylindrical shape.

1000 1100 1200 1100 1400 1100 1100 1200 1100 1 FIG. A battery moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a housingthat accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and a damperdisposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cellsor between the plurality of battery cellsand the housing. In this case, for example, the plurality of battery cellsmay each be formed in a cylindrical shape, as shown in.

8 FIG. 1400 In, only the damperis illustrated for convenience of description.

8 FIG. 1400 1410 1420 1100 For example, as shown in, the damperaccording to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body, and a holeinto which each of a plurality of battery cellsis inserted.

1410 6 7 FIGS.and The bodyincludes a non-Newtonian fluid material. A description of the non-Newtonian fluid material is the same or similar to that provided in.

1410 1200 1200 1410 1200 1410 1410 1200 The bodymay be formed with a same shape as, for example, an internal shape of the housing. For example, if the housinghas a rectangular shape, the bodymay also be formed in a rectangular shape. For example, if the housinghas a circular shape, the bodymay also be formed in a circular shape. The bodymay be inserted into and fixed to the interior of the housing.

1420 1410 1420 1410 1420 1410 1410 1410 1100 The holemay be formed in the body. In an embodiment, the holemay be formed through the body. In an embodiment, the holemay not pass through the bodybut may be formed as a groove in the body. In this case, the bodymay also be located below the battery cells, thereby further enhancing an insulating effect and/or a volume retention effect.

1420 1100 1410 The holeprovides a space into which the battery cellcan be inserted in the body.

1420 1100 Accordingly, the shape of the holemay be formed to correspond to the shape of the battery cell.

1420 1100 1000 1000 1100 1400 1420 Further, for example, the holesare formed in a number corresponding to the plurality of battery cellsincluded in the battery module. For example, if the battery moduleincludes twenty battery cells, the dampermay include twenty holes.

1420 1420 1400 1100 1420 1400 1100 In an embodiment, all or some of the plurality of holesmay be formed to be spaced apart. In an embodiment, for example, all of the plurality of holesare formed to be spaced apart, and the dampermay be located between all of the plurality of battery cells. In an embodiment, for example, only some of the plurality of holesare formed to be spaced apart, and the dampermay be located between some of the plurality of battery cellsand may not be located between some others thereof.

1400 1000 1100 With this configuration, the dampercan effectively address swelling and improve the insulating effect even in the battery modulethat includes the battery cellseach formed in a cylindrical shape.

8 FIG. 6 7 FIGS.and 1400 1100 1400 1100 However, unlike what is shown in, the dampermay be formed in a sheet shape as shown in, even if the battery cellis formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the dampermay be provided in a state of being inserted on at least one side of each of at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

9 9 FIGS.A andB are views for describing a size of the damper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 9 FIGS.A andB 1 8 FIGS.to 9 9 FIGS.A andB 6 8 FIGS.to 1100 1400 In, “” denotes a battery cell (e.g., including the battery cells described in). In addition, in, “” denotes a damper (e.g., including the dampers described in).

1100 1110 1120 1 4 FIGS.to 1 4 FIGS.to 1 4 FIGS.to Each of a plurality of battery cellsincludes an electrode assembly (not shown, for example, the electrode assembly described in), a case(e.g., the case described in) that accommodates the electrode assembly, and a terminal(e.g., including the negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal described in) that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protrude outside the case).

1120 1110 1120 1110 The terminalis provided, for example, on an upper surface of the case. For example, the terminalis formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the case.

9 FIG.A 1100 illustrates a normal state in which the plurality of battery cellshave not swelled.

1100 1400 1110 If the plurality of battery cellsare in the normal state, the damperis formed with a height less than or equal to a height of the caseof the adjacent battery cell.

1110 1120 1 1400 1 1110 1400 1300 1400 1400 1400 1300 For example, the caseand the terminalof the battery cell are formed with a height of h. In addition, for example, the damperis formed with a height of h. In this case, the height h of the damper is less than or equal to the height hof the caseof the battery cell. As described above, the damperis formed to be spaced by a certain distance from the bus bar. As a result, even if the height of the damperincreases as the dampercontracts in width, interference of the damperwith the bus barmay be prevented or substantially prevented.

9 FIG.B 1100 illustrates a state in which at least one of the plurality of battery cellsswells.

1100 1400 1120 If at least one of the plurality of battery cellsswells, the dampermay be deformed to a height less than or equal to that of the terminalof the adjacent battery cell.

1120 2 For example, the terminalof the battery cell is formed with a height of h.

1100 1400 1400 2 1120 1400 1300 Further, for example, if the battery cellexpands, the dampermay elongate in a height direction while contracting in transverse width. In this case, the dampermay be deformed to a height of h′ as the volume contracts. At this time, the height h′ of the deformed damper is less than or equal to the height hof the terminalof the battery cell. Thus, the dampercan sufficiently contract without coming into contact with and/or interfering with the bus bar.

10 FIG. is a view for describing an example of the damper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 FIG. 6 9 FIGS.to 1400 In, “” denotes a damper (e.g., including the dampers described in).

1400 1400 As described above, the damperincludes a non-Newtonian fluid material. Accordingly, the damperprovides excellent shock absorption and/or thermal insulating effects.

10 FIG. 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 b h b. As shown in, the damperaccording to an embodiment of the present invention may have a mesh structure in which pores are formed in at least a portion thereof. For example, the damperincludes a bodyand a plurality of poresformed in the body

1400 b The bodyincludes a non-Newtonian fluid material.

1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 h b h b b. The poresmay be formed in all or a portion of the body. The poresmay be formed, for example, on inner or outer surface of the body, and may be formed on an upper surface, a side surface, and/or a lower surface of the body

1400 1400 1000 h For example, the dampercan further provide a ventilation effect through the pores. With such a structure, the battery moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention can enhance cooling efficiency, in addition to shock absorption and/or thermal insulating effects.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a bus bar may not be damaged even if a battery cell swells.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a housing may not be damaged even if a battery cell swells.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery module with improved safety is provided.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery module with reduced risk of heat propagation is provided.

However, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that aspects and effects that can be achieved through the present invention are not limited to those described herein, and other aspects, effects, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the detailed description.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to some example embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be variously implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical idea of the present invention and equivalents of the claims.